Stubbs: Wigan link sign of good work at Hibs

ANTHONY BROWN

ALAN STUBBS insists speculation linking him with the Wigan Athletic manager’s job was merely testament to the good work which has gone on at Hibs this season.

The Easter Road head coach had been touted as a candidate to replace Malky Mackay as boss of the English Championship strugglers before former Hibs defender Gary Caldwell was appointed to the role last night.

Stubbs, whose son Sam is on Wigan’s books, admitted to being flattered at being mentioned in connection with the Latics job and believes it was a sign that Hibs, whom he is contracted to until summer 2016, have made significant strides in terms of rebuilding since relegation ten months ago.

“It was a surprise [to be linked with Wigan], but that’s football,” said Stubbs. “If anything, I’ve been linked with it because of what we have inherited and what we have put in place up to this point.

“We have done some good things and, if people want to take note of that then there’s nothing I can do to stop them.

“It is always nice to get recognition. I don’t know anyone, in any line of business, who doesn’t like recognition. If they say they don’t, they are lying. It is the same for me.

“I didn’t know anything about it until someone texted me about it yesterday morning. It was all news to me. I have more important things to concentrate on at the moment, such as the game against Dumbarton.”

Stubbs insists he is relishing the task of rebuilding Hibs and has no desire to seek a move away from Easter Road.

“There is nothing I can do to stop speculation about myself or my players but, what I will says is, I have come here with a big opportunity to try and achieve something and my focus is on doing that,” he said.

“There are still a lot of things to be done here, first and foremost being preparing for the Dumbarton game.”

Meanwhile, Stubbs is hopeful that defender Keith Watson will shake off a tight hamstring in time for tonight’s trip to face the Sons.